Make Solar Affordable with Flexible Payment Options
Whether you want to maximize savings with a cash purchase, go solar with $0 down through financing, or enjoy a maintenance-free lease, we have a payment option that fits your budget and goals.
Three Ways to Go Solar
We believe cost should never be a barrier to clean energy. Explore our financing options below and find the one that works best for your budget and savings goals.
Cash Purchase
Highest Long-Term SavingsPurchasing your solar system outright with cash provides the highest total return on investment. With no interest charges or monthly payments, every kilowatt-hour your system produces represents pure savings. Cash buyers typically see a full return on investment in 6-8 years and enjoy free electricity for the remaining 17-19 years of the system's warranty life.
Typical Cost
$15,000 - $35,000 (before incentives)
Payback Period
6-8 years
25-Year Savings
$50,000 - $75,000+
Advantages
- Highest lifetime savings (up to $75,000+)
- Fastest payback period (6-8 years)
- Own your system from day one
- Direct eligibility for 30% federal tax credit
- No interest payments
- Increases home value immediately
- Full control over system and monitoring
Considerations
- Higher upfront investment ($15,000-$35,000)
- Requires available capital or home equity
- Must have sufficient tax liability for ITC
Best For: Homeowners with available capital who want to maximize long-term savings and have sufficient tax liability to claim the full ITC.
Solar Loan
$0 Down, You Own ItSolar loans allow you to finance your solar system with zero down payment while still owning the system and qualifying for all tax credits and incentives. Monthly loan payments are typically less than your current electric bill, meaning you start saving from month one. With fixed interest rates and terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, solar loans provide predictable payments and full ownership benefits.
Typical Cost
$0 down, $100-$250/month
Payback Period
8-12 years
25-Year Savings
$35,000 - $55,000+
Advantages
- $0 down payment available
- Own your system (builds home equity)
- Eligible for 30% federal tax credit
- Monthly payments often less than electric bill
- Fixed interest rates available
- Terms from 10-25 years
- Tax credit can be applied to principal
Considerations
- Interest adds to total cost
- Monthly payment obligation
- Credit check required
- Slightly lower lifetime savings than cash
Best For: Homeowners who want system ownership and tax credit benefits without the large upfront cost. Ideal for those with good credit seeking the best balance of savings and affordability.
Lease / Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
$0 Down, $0 MaintenanceSolar leases and PPAs allow you to go solar with absolutely no upfront cost and no maintenance responsibilities. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount for the use of the solar equipment. With a PPA, you pay a per-kilowatt-hour rate for the electricity the system produces. Both options typically save 10-30% on your electric costs from day one with no financial risk.
Typical Cost
$0 down, $80-$180/month
Payback Period
Immediate savings
25-Year Savings
$15,000 - $30,000+
Advantages
- $0 down, $0 maintenance
- Immediate electricity savings (10-30%)
- No system ownership responsibilities
- Performance guaranteed by provider
- Monitoring and maintenance included
- Option to purchase system later
- No credit risk or maintenance concerns
Considerations
- Lower total savings than cash or loan
- Do not own the system
- Tax credit goes to system owner (not you)
- Contract terms of 20-25 years
- May complicate home sale
- Annual escalator may increase payments
Best For: Homeowners who want to save on electricity with zero upfront cost and no maintenance responsibilities. Ideal for those who do not have sufficient tax liability for the ITC or prefer a hands-off approach.
Compare Your Options
| Feature | Cash | Solar Loan | Lease / PPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $15K-$35K | $0 | $0 |
| Monthly Payment | None | $100-$250 | $80-$180 |
| System Ownership | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tax Credit Eligible | Yes (30%) | Yes (30%) | No |
| 25-Year Savings | $50K-$75K+ | $35K-$55K+ | $15K-$30K+ |
| Maintenance | Owner | Owner | Included |
| Home Value Impact | Increases | Increases | Minimal |
| Credit Required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Payback Period | 6-8 years | 8-12 years | Immediate |
Common Financing Questions
Not Sure Which Option Is Best?
Our solar advisors will analyze your energy usage, tax situation, and financial goals to recommend the financing option that maximizes your savings. Get a free consultation with personalized financing analysis.